Advocate for children and youth at risk

If you have a heart to understand, an ear to listen, and a desire to help people live up to their full potential, you may be a perfect fit for a career in Child and Youth Care.

UFV’s Bachelor in Child and Youth Care, with an optional specialization in Child Protection, prepares you to explore and address the issues that affect children, youth, families, and communities who are experiencing social and developmental challenges. Based on the values of social justice and inclusiveness to support people of all abilities, cultures and beliefs, the program equips you to meet the highest standards of practice and places you at the forefront of current trends in the field of child and youth care.

In your third and fourth year, you participate in two 300-hour practica that provide you with opportunities to apply what you learn under the structured supervision of experienced professionals, who can provide valuable guidance and feedback.

With core course offerings scheduled for afternoon and evenings, this program is an excellent choice if you are currently employed in an human services agency and wish to grow your career and gain skills you can apply in your work setting.

When you graduate, you have the case assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation skills you need to become a knowledgeable practitioner in any agency or program. Or you may pursue further studies in child and youth care, public administration, criminal justice, social work, or related field.

Career Outlook in Child and Youth Care

A Bachelor in Child and Youth Care opens the door to improved career opportunities for practitioners who work on the front lines. Graduates may work in a range of settings including child welfare and protection services, early intervention and child development centres, regular or alternative school programs, day care and early childhood programs, community services, child and youth mental health, hospital-based programs, probation or young offender programs, special needs foster care, and parent or counsellor resources.

Child and youth care is an expanding field. Work BC reports that new jobs are expected to open to meet the needs of seniors, people with developmental disabilities, at-risk teenagers, homeless people, and addicts. Growth will also occur in the area of First Nations outreach and community development, especially in rehabilitation and youth work.